CCTV cameras are a fairly popular product among buyers. But it is often very difficult to choose the right device among the wide variety on the camcorder market. This article will help you choose the right model for the most essential parameters.
Main characteristics
Among the main criteria, three main points can be distinguished:
- Analog or digital? An analog camera is directly connected to a computer or video recorder and has a resolution of no more than 720x576 pixels. After the advent of digital cameras, the production of analog cameras dropped significantly. New generation devices convert the image into a digital signal and transmit it via Wi-Fi or 3G Internet to any connected device. They shoot such models in a resolution up to 1920x1080 pixels.
- Terms of Use. The camera can be used in various weather conditions, which also affects the choice. For outdoor installation, it must be sealed and have a heating system for the components of the device, and for premises, you can choose a cheaper and simpler option.
- Viewing angle. This parameter greatly affects the overall plan of the image. When choosing a camera with a small angle of view, it will be possible to view a small area with high detail, and a large angle gives a general plan at a sufficient distance from the device. There are cameras with this parameter adjustment, but their price is several times higher.
Image quality
The popular belief that video quality is affected by the number of megapixels is not entirely true. Also, the quality of the output image depends on factors such as:
- Illumination of the shooting area. Under certain conditions, certain characteristics of photosensitivity are needed. The buyer needs to decide on the place and time of day for video recording, and take measurements with a luxometer.
- Availability of WDR technology. This function allows you to transmit different amounts of light in certain areas of the picture, compensating for significant variations in illumination. This means that the face will not darken against a bright background or vice versa.
- The ability to switch between day / night modes. For shooting at night, infrared illumination is used, which can be constant or switch depending on the subject in the frame, which greatly affects the final price.
This article covered the basic parameters for choosing cameras for a surveillance system. If you think about each carefully, you can find the best option.